Justice Kavuma named on panel to decide Odoki’s fate

The inclusion of Acting Chief Justice Steven Kavuma’s name on the panel of five Constitutional Court justices set to hear the petition challenging the reappointment of retired Benjamin Odoki as Chief Justice, has drawn protest from lawyers.

Prof George Kanyeihamba, the lead lawyer representing the petitioner, Western Youth MP Gerald Karuhanga, on Thursday vowed to seek the withdrawal of Justice Kavuma from the panel at the time of the hearing.

Prof Kanyeihamba, a retired Supreme Court judge, claimed conflict of interest in regard to Justice Kavuma whom he said may influence the outcome of the petition since he is also eligible for the same post of Chief Justice. The hearing of the petition is set for Thursday next week.Other justices on the panel are: Augustine Nshimye, Eldad Mwangusya, Geoffrey Kiryabwire and Prof Lillian Tibatemwa.

Last year, MP Karuhanga petitioned court challenging President Museveni’s reappointment of Justice Odoki who had been retired as Chief Justice (CJ).